As an aside, it has come to my attention that a BOE member wrote an e-mail to an undisclosed number of people calling me and/or other bloggers un-American for criticizing Mrs. Schneider's religious expression because she sends her kids to Christian schools. I have not seen the actual e-mail myself, so I cannot quote it verbatim, nor defend myself directly.

Writing this blog to express MY views is protected by the same Amendment of the Constitution as Mrs. Schneider's religious expression.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

I was most certainly NOT criticizing her religious views or her right to express them! I was questioning her motivation to run for a BOE position in a district that she doesn't deem suitable for her own children. I would be just as critical should she have sent her children to a secular out-of-district school.

4 comments:

Anonymous
said...

I'm wondering what makes you think that just because a person opts for parochial (or other religious-based) education for their child/ren they must find the local school system unsuitable? As a parent who also sends her children to Catholic school, I can assure you that my decision was in no way based on the unsuitability of Bridgewater schools, but rather on our desire to have our kids receive a faith-based education.

I don't know what Ms. Schneider's motivation for seeking a seat on the board is, but regardless, don't you think it is better to have some representation by those on the "outside"? Sometimes having someone who is not personally involved (i.e. someone without kids in the system) can help you to see things you might not otherwise see.

There is at least one "outsider" on the BOE already. And I understand someone else on the BOE has kid(s) at a private school. I don't think that is right either.

I think that parents choose what they think is the BEST education for their child, PERIOD. Lots of people send their children to parochial schools for reasons other than religious ones (educational quality in their local district, accessibility of sports opportunities, smaller classes, more structure, because of a bad experience in public school, etc.).

My husband and I looked at academics and cost when picking a district. If BRRSD academics drop further, we will reevaluate living here. For us, it is about the education our kids will receive. Part of my education is from a single-sex (also controversial) environment and I assure you that that school was chosen based on its academic reputation!

I don't know why Mrs. Schneider doesn't utilize the local school. In fact, she didn't tell the public that her kids don't go to BRRSD schools on candidates' night. I brought it out because I think it is a valid point and because I believe it sends an implicit message that BRRSD is not good enough for her. Yet she still wants have a major stake in BRRSD's management.

That is what I object to.

In the end the blog is simply my opinion, and my primary audience (until a few days ago) has been my friends and family.

I agree with you. It's fair game to point out that Schneider sends her kids to private school. That board member was way off base sending that email around. He was trying to silence critics by throwing around the charge of bigotry. It was a cheap shot.

Three things bother me about it - I still haven't read it, so maybe more things would upset me...

Firstly, he is claiming I am being un-American by not supporting her right to free religious expression. Ironically, it's the same right that allows me to write this blog free from oppression from the government.

Secondly, he is sending e-mails around the community, but didn't comment on the blog directly, so that I can defend myself.

In the end I am most concerned that I have offended local political figures (on the BOE and in the Township) who may chose to use their power against my children.

About Me

I am a Mom and writer and business owner in Bridgewater, NJ. My signature curls and loud opinions follow me where ever I go. My hobbies including reading and knitting and hanging with friends. I am fortunate to be able to travel regularly. We also have a lot of guests. My kids play cheer, do tae kwan do, play basketball, take film classes and other school-run extra curricular activities. When I'm not running them to activities, I am exercising, having coffee with friends and I run an import business and write.